Signs Your Daughter Is About to Start Her Period

Mood swings? Breast development? Luckily, you still have a couple of years to prepare

If you’re a parent of an adolescent, you’ve probably got a lot on your mind: social media, middle school and, of course, puberty. Your daughter’s first period is one of her biggest milestones — whether she’s ready for it or not.

It’s a big adjustment for parents and daughters alike — and involves many physical and emotional changes that are unfamiliar territory for an adolescent.

“Menarche marks the stage when your daughter transitions from a girl into a young woman,” says Brytanie Marshall, MD, a pediatric and adolescent gynecologist at Geisinger. “And with this big change can come a lot of questions, concerns and mixed feelings. Your child may feel excited, embarrassed or uncertain all at the same time.”

Spotting the signs your daughter is about to start her period can help you get ahead of questions, ease nerves and make sure she — and you — feels prepared for this next milestone.

Signs your daughter is about to start her period

Every child develops on their own timeline, but there’s a general sequence that often points to the pending arrival of menstruation. Luckily, you’ll have a couple of years’ warning before your daughter’s first period.

“As hormones shift, emotional and physical changes can show up,” says Dr. Marshall. “These initial signs of puberty can be subtle or more noticeable, and they’re common even before cycles begin.

Here are 5 signs your daughter is about to start her period:

Breast development

Breast development is usually the first sign for many girls. Most girls get their periods about 2 to 3 years after breast development begins.

New hair growth

Fine hair in the pubic area and underarms becomes thicker and darker over time. This tends to progress alongside breast changes and can start 1 to 2 years before the first period.

“Your daughter also may notice increased sweating and body odor,” says Dr. Marshall. “The increase in hormones during early puberty can cause the sweat glands to activate. And with the increased hair growth, bacteria and odor can get trapped more easily.”

Vaginal discharge

A clear or milky discharge is common as the body prepares for menstruation — a natural result of increased estrogen during this stage of development. Your daughter might notice a thin, white mucus in her underwear. When this starts, the first period may be 6 to 12 months away.

“Discharge is normal, but it shouldn’t have a foul odor,” says Dr. Marshall. “Discharge that is green or has a strong smell, along with vaginal itching, may indicate an infection that requires treatment.”

Growth spurt

A growth spurt often comes about a year before the first period. You may notice your daughter is quickly getting taller. She also might have other physical changes like widening hips or thighs.

Mood changes

A shift in hormones that signal it’s time for the period can cause more sensitivity, irritability or tearfulness. Your child may seem more emotional and have frequent mood changes leading up to menstruation. She also might have trouble sleeping.

It’s helpful to remember that your daughter’s mood changes are likely as confusing to her as they are to you. Validate her feelings and know that things will get easier over time.

If you’re noticing signs your daughter is about to start her period, let her know what’s normal and what her body is going through. Keep it simple, factual and reassuring.

“Open conversations help normalize the transition and ease nerves,” says Dr. Marshall. “You’re shaping how your daughter feels about her body. A calm, informed approach is the best way to help her build confidence for when the day arrives.”

Average age for first menstruation period

The average age for the first menstrual period is around 12. But there’s a wide healthy range, with many girls starting between ages 10 and 15.

“Family patterns can offer clues as to when your daughter will get her first period,” says Dr. Marshall. “But in addition to genetics, health, physical activity and nutrition all play a role.”

Reassure your daughter that the first period may be light and spotty or a bit heavier — both patterns are normal. And early cycles are often irregular and take time to regulate.

During the first 1 to 2 years:

Periods can range from light spotting to a moderate flow and usually last about 5 days, but it can be shorter or longer.
Cycles may be unpredictable, with 21 to 45 days between periods at first.
Cramping can begin before the first period and may or may not be present with early cycles.

“Everyone experiences their first period differently,” says Dr. Marshall. “But the irregular pattern should level out in about 2 to 3 years.”

When to schedule the first OB-GYN appointment

Most girls should have their first gynecologist visit between ages 13 and 15.

Routine Pap smears and pelvic exams aren’t recommended until age 21, unless there’s a specific menstruation issue. So, early visits are more about preventive care, asking questions and a general health check focused on puberty, periods and sexual health education.

“It’s important to not put off a gynecology appointment as a girl matures,” says Dr. Marshall. “We’re here as a resource and to make sure she stays healthy as she grows. We have no intention of doing a sensitive exam, unless there’s a direct concern. And even then, we’ll talk about it first.”

The ideal age for that first gynecology appointment varies, but here are a few reasons to schedule a little earlier:

Early, late or irregular menstruation

“If your daughter hasn’t gotten her first period by age 15, you may want to have her checked out by a gynecologist to rule out factors like a hormone imbalance,” says Dr. Marshall.

On the flip side, if she’s gotten her period but they remain irregular after more than 2 years, it’s also a good idea to see a gynecologist.

Exceptionally painful cramps or heavy periods

Painful cramps and heavy periods can significantly impact your daughter’s life. If pain and cramps are affecting your daughter’s ability to go to school and participate in activities, or if heavy periods last longer than 7 days, a visit to the gynecologist can help diagnose any issues with regular hormone production.

You should also schedule a visit if her periods soak more than 1 to 2 large, overnight pads per hour.

Sexual activity

Once your daughter becomes sexually active, she should begin regular sexually transmitted disease (STD) screenings and vaginal health exams. And if your teen hasn’t already done so, she should get the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine before age 26.

“More than 67% of adolescents will have a sexual experience before age 19,” says Dr. Marshall. “So, it’s important that your child has the right education and resources to stay healthy.”

After your daughter’s first visit, she may not need to be seen for a few years — especially if she isn’t sexually active or having menstruation concerns. Your teen’s gynecologist can provide guidance around visit frequency, depending on the reason for your first visit.

“The first few appointments are more for creating a baseline,” says Dr. Marshall. “We also want to create an open line of communication, so teens are comfortable speaking freely if there ever is cause for concern.”